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The Mailbag

Posted November 7, 2007

After watching the Buffs lose by 45 points on their home field, I wrote yesterday about not being convinced this program has made much progress in the past two years . Everyone in black and gold now hates me. What better time for another edition of the mailbag?

So let's get right to the carnage.

Kyle,

You're a moron! I can't believe you would slam Hawk like you did. It was totally unfair. This program has made a lot of progress and these coaches and players don't deserve your condemnation. What were you thinking?

unsigned

Dear Anonymous,

You have to be kidding. Condemnation? Are you serious? That's absurd. I simply said I wasn't going to talk about the Buffs bowl chances because after watching them lose by 45 points on their home field, I wasn't so sure they were going to make a bowl. I also said the program hasn't made much progress on the field the past two years. You say it has. My question to you is where is the evidence of that?

Let's put this in perspective. Colorado has been playing football since 1890. So in 117 years, they have lost two home games by wider margins. Two.

Look, I know the Buffs are playing a tough schedule and they're using a lot of young players, but they lost by 45 points. How is that progress? They're 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the Big 12. It's an improvement from last year to be sure, but it's basically right where they were two years ago.

What I wrote wasn't slamming anyone. I'm in a unique position having access to coaches and players on a regular basis. They're all good men doing the best they can to make CU football the best in the nation. But that doesn't mean they're above criticism, especially after a debacle like that. I can't believe how many people got so bent out of shape about it.

Kyle,

Really like what you do on Buffzone. Being in Minnesota it is one of the only ways I can get my Buff fix satisfied. My question is, could you give us an update on some of the freshman that we're not seeing on the field every Saturday. I heard alot about guys like Markques Simas, Sione Tau, Conrad Obi, and Matt Ballenger last recruiting cycle. I'm wondering if we can expect any of these guys to make a big impact on the field next year. Also, are there any lesser known freshman who are impressing coaches? Thanks Kyle, I'm happy the kiss of death was finally proven false.



Nick Anderson

Colorado Class of '06

Nick,

Thanks for the question and for being brave enough to use your full name. You are unique in that regard.

I think coaches are pretty impressed with all the freshmen. I know they feel like Ballenger has enormous potential, but they also know he has a lot to learn. The kid has a great arm and definitely looks the part. If he can master the mental part of the game, he could become one of the great steals of the 2007 recruiting class.

I think it was wise to redshirt Markques Simas because he is very talented and will be here for at least three years beyond this season. He seems to be a much more confident player now than the guy I was watching in August. He has all the physical tools you want in a wideout.

Sione Tau and the other freshmen linemen who aren't playing are coming along. The redshirt year will be huge for most of them. Competition for playing time on the lines is going to get much, much better in the next few years and that will be great for the program.

Conrad Obi is one of the hardest working guys on the team. He always seems to be one of the last guys off the practice field every night. Seems like he has an incredible work ethic. I think coaches are really eager to see him on the field. I'd say they feel the same way about fellow freshmen defensive linemen Lagrone Shields and Eugene Goree. I said Ballenger looks the part at quarterback, those guys look like defensive tackles.

I think if you're looking for a couple guys who aren't playing but coaches are excited about, look no further than defensive backs Anthony Wright and Anthony Perkins. Both have great athletic ability and have made a lot of progress learning this fall. Thanks for the question.

Kyle,

Why does it seem as if Coach Hawkins dislikes Hugh? I'm a big Hawkins fan, but he never seems eager to give Hugh props, even after a great effort, and it was odd that Hugh was benched for so long after he fumbled in the KU game. Hugh is a difference-maker, and I think that hurt us. What gives? Is this some sort of tough love motivational tactic? Or do these two not see eye to eye?



Michelle

Thanks for the question Michelle.

Hugh and Hawk have had to get used to each other over the past two years, but Hawkins definitely doesn't have any kind of grudge against Hugh. He wants nothing but success for Hugh. I promise you that.

I know Hawkins wasn't happy with Hugh's fumble against Kansas. It was costly. He's always disappointed by any turnover, but he sees fumbles as being something that is completely on the ball carrier while an interception depends on a lot of factors such as protection, the route, the throw, etc.

Hawkins has had a lot of complimentary things to say about Hugh over the past two years, and Hugh has deserved those compliments. He's one of the best talents on the team.

Ringo,



I am a missionary and Buff fan working in Costa Rica.



* What do you feel our chances are in getting Lynn Katoa? How scincere were his comments?

* Where are our d-line and o-line recruits?

* Why are there different star measurements between Rivals and Scouts

Thanks and keep at it.



Yours,

Jeffrey W. Sherrill

Wow, Costa Rica. My first question from a Buff in a foreign country. I'll put a tack on the map.

I think Katoa is absolutely interested in CU. What purpose does it serve for him to say nice things about a school and coaches if he doesn't have any interest in a future there? It doesn't mean he will be a Buff, but he definitely could be.

The lines will be addressed before the class in finalized. Trust me. Hawkins never thinks he has enough linemen. There will be more in this class. They're working on it.

Scout and Rivals are two different companies with different people doing their evaluations. If a guy is a three-star on one site and a four-star on another, it's just a simple difference of opinion. No big deal. Thanks for writing and take care down there.

Hi Kyle!

Saw that Brandon Smith has his top 2 as Michigan and CU. He says he was asked to announce his choice at the Army All America game in San Antonio. My Q: When is that game? And, do you know anything more on BS?

Thanx! Jim

Jim,

The Army All-America game is Jan. 5, in San Antonio. I believe it will be televised on NBC. As for Brandon, I know he hasn't been talking much about his recruitment. Some kids just don't like dealing with all the phone calls. I can't blame them.

The last piece I read about him said he was considering Michigan, CU and now Rutgers. He was scheduled to take an official visit to South Carolina. I haven't heard how that went. He's playing quarterback, safety and returning kicks for his team this fall. Hope that helps. If I hear more, I'll post it here.

Kyle,

Regarding your story "Buffs Buck Trend With Packages": I get the sense that certain offensive player packages and formations tip off that a certain play will be run. For example, when Demetrius Sumler is in the backfield on the left, Byron Ellis is in the backfield on the right, and a receiver goes in motion from left to right, it seems that the play is generally a fake to the receiver in motion then a hand off to Sumler as he tries to go through a hole to the left of center. Do you think I'm accurate on this? If so, do you think opposing defensive coaches are able to predict some plays by player packages and formations?

unsigned

Dear Anonymous,

Yeah, I think you're right to some extent. But coaches don't just have one option with most plays and as soon as an opponent overplays something or counts on it being one play, they will get burned. You saw that happen earlier this year in the Oklahoma game when the Buffs scored the tying touchdown by faking a often-used run and throwing to Dusty Sprague.

Thanks for all the good questions this time around.